Self-Care Sunday: Easy Rituals to Recharge Your Body and Mind at Home

If you have oily skin, you know how tricky it can be to manage shine, clogged pores, and breakouts. But oily skin doesn’t have to be a problem — the right products and routine can help you achieve clear, balanced, and glowing skin. In this post, I’m sharing the 5 must-have steps for an oily skin routine, along with product recommendations you can try. 1. Cleanser (Morning & Night) Cleansing is the first and most important step in any skincare routine. For oily skin, choose a gentle foaming or gel cleanser that removes excess oil without over-drying. Recommended Product: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel . Tips: Avoid harsh cleansers that strip your skin. Cleanse twice a day — morning and night. 2. Toner / Exfoliating Toner (2–5× per week) A toner helps remove leftover dirt and balances your skin’s pH. For oily skin, a gentle exfoliating toner with BHA or AHA can help keep pores clear. Recommended Product: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner . Tips: Start slowly with exfoliating toners to avoid irritation. Use alcohol-free formulas for best results. 3. Treatment / Serum / Active This is where you target specific skin concerns like breakouts, enlarged pores, or uneven texture. Serums with niacinamide, salicylic acid, or retinol are perfect for oily skin. Recommended Product: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment . Tips: Introduce one active at a time. Use treatments at night for best results. 4. Moisturizer (Day & Night) Even oily skin needs hydration. A lightweight, gel-based moisturizer keeps your skin balanced without adding extra shine. Recommended Product: CeraVe Oil Control Gel-Cream or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat . Tips: Use morning and night. Look for “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” on the label. 5. Sunscreen (Morning Only) Sun protection is crucial to prevent UV damage, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ that is lightweight and matte-finish. Recommended Product: Your Favorite Oily-Skin SPF . Tips: Apply every morning, even on cloudy days. Reapply when outdoors for long periods. Bonus: Weekly / Occasional Extras Clay Mask: Clay Mask Product — helps absorb excess oil. Gentle Exfoliation: Exfoliant Product — remove dead skin cells 1–2x per week. Spot Treatments: Spot Treatment Product — target stubborn breakouts. Example Routine Morning: Cleanser → 2. Toner → 3. Serum → 4. Moisturizer → 5. Sunscreen Night: Cleanser → 2. Toner (if needed) → 3. Treatment → 4. Moisturizer Tips & Common Mistakes Don’t over-cleanse — it can make oiliness worse. Introduce new products gradually. Patch test actives first. Avoid heavy creams or oils. Be consistent — results take time.